Dry-Eye Vitamins and Eye Compresses

Ophthalmology has (at last!) increased research into vitamins and
other nutritional supplements used to treat dry eye. As a result, many
ophthalmologists and rheumatologists now recommend specific vitamins and other nutritional
supplements to aid in the treatment of dry eye pain. In addition, for some people,
the more traditional eye compresses, of one type or another, might help provide relief
from the discomfort of dry eye associated with blepharitis or meibomianitis.

Caution!
Because research is rapidly advancing, potential solutions described on this page
might be out-of-date by the time you read this. Also, remember that all information
on this Web site is based on the experience and opinions of a very small number of
individuals with severe dry eye. It is not provided by a doctor or other medical professional.
Ask your doctor about the latest research. Please see the
Disclaimer
below.

For information about artificial tears and other lubricants used for
mild or moderate dry eye, as well as typical eyelid scrubs used for blepharitis and
meibomianitis, see the Standard Treatments page.
For information about some medications and certain types of eye surgery that can
cause or contribute to dry eye pain, see the Medications &
Surgery page.

The following table lists several supplements that might provide relief for
people with dry eye. Currently, the primary researcher at DryEyePain uses BioTears.
However, what works best for one person might not be the best option for
a different person, so you might have to try these — one at a time, not in
combination! — until you find the one (if any) that works best for your eyes.
As always, before you begin any over-the-counter therapy, ask your eye doctor whether
that remedy is appropriate for you.

Caution! In addition to the specific warnings
described in the table for some supplements, always ask your doctor about possible
interactions with any medication that you currently take. Do
not take more than one type of supplement at a time.

BioTears, an oral capsule not an eyedrop, is designed to stimulate
all three layers of the tear film (watery, mucous, and oily) and to reduce
dry eye inflammation. BioTears is available at
BioSyntrx.com or by calling
1-800-688-6815.

Caution! If you take
coumadin, ask your doctor if it is also safe to take BioTears.

BioSyntrx also makes Macula Complete, a multiple vitamin that
focuses on eye health, including age-related macular degeneration. (Do
not take Macula Complete if you have retinitis pigmentosa.)

TheraTears

TheraTears Nutrition, like BioTears an oral capsule not an eyedrop but using a different
formulation, is designed to stimulate tear
production and reduce dry eye inflammation. TheraTears is available at
TheraTears.com or by calling
1-800-579-8327.

HydroEye

HydroEye, an earlier formulation based on essential fatty acids and other
nutrients, is available at
ScienceBasedHealth.com (click Dry Eye Relief
and then click HydroEye), or by calling
1-888-433-4726.

Warning!
Hydroeye is not recommended if you take an
anticoagulant, such as aspirin, because of the risk of bleeding.

Hydrate Essential

Hydrate Essential is another earlier product, based on essential fatty acids and other
nutrients, specially formulated for dry eyes. Hydrate Essential is available
at OcuSoft.com (look in the column labelled
"Patient/Consumer Information," and then click Featured
Products), or by calling 1-800-233-5469.

Flaxseed oil

Available in capsules and, more economically, in liquid form.
Contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Available at most health food stores
and at many grocery stores.

Evening primrose oil

Contains omega 6 fatty acids. Available at most health food stores
and at many grocery stores.

Warning!
Fish oil is not recommended if you take an
anticoagulant, such as aspirin, because of the risk of bleeding.

Beta carotene or Vitamin A

May be helpful if your dry eye
condition is caused or exacerbated by a vitamin A deficiency. Available at
any health food store and at many grocery stores.

Warning!
Too much vitamin A can be toxic. Beta carotene is safer, but too much
beta carotene can also be harmful. For an eyedrop that may help
dry eye pain caused by vitamin A deficiency, see
Custom Eyedrops.

Caution! More is NOT
better. If your ophthalmologist or other
doctor recommends that you take a specific amount of a given vitamin or other supplement,
do not take more than the amount specified.

The following table lists a few examples of information about dry eye supplements
published in Ophthalmology Times or studies showing the relationship between nutritional
supplements and dry eye treatment.

If you have blepharitis or meibomianitis, don't underestimate the contribution that
these eyelid conditions make to dry eye and therefore to dry eye pain. An eyelid
compress can help.

Caution! The eyelid compresses described on this
page are traditional (what your grandmother might have recommended). Before you try any
remedy described here, ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist if that remedy is
appropriate and safe for you. Please see the
Disclaimer
below.

Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, can "glue shut" your eyes in the morning.
Blepharitis, or the related meibomianitis, can cause dry eye pain even in the presence of
sufficient tear production, or it can greatly increase dry eye pain
already present due to insufficient tear production.

Eyelash alert If you tend to
pull out your eyelashes because they are "bothering" you, eyelid
compresses can be especially helpful.

Plain water compress

If your local area has clean tap water and your
eyes do not have an allergic reaction to the water, you may be able to
use plain warm water for an eye compress. Be sure to use a freshly
clean washcloth. Alternatively, you can use 2 or 3
lint-free tissues instead
of a washcloth for the compress.

Alternatively, to make sure that the compress is sterile, boil the water first,
let it cool to warm or lukewarm, and then use it for the compress.
NEVER use hot water for a compress if you have
severely dry eyes or severe blepharitis or meibomianitis — hot water might "burn"
your eyelids, making them feel worse instead of better.

Plain water plus (a very small amount of) vinegar compress

Before using a vinegar compress, first put a drop of artificial
tears in each eye, such as Refresh Lubricant Eye Drops, available at
MedShopExpress.com or at
Drugstore.com. Add 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar to 2 or 3 cups of clean
water, and then use a clean washcloth (or
2 or 3 lint-free tissues instead
of a washcloth) for the compress.

Boil distilled water for 10 minutes in a clean, stainless steel
pan that you use only for this purpose (not for food).

Pour one cup of the boiled water into a clean pyrex measuring cup, and
dissolve 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder) in the water.
Use a measuring cup and measuring spoon that are used only to make the
compress (not for food).

Set the water aside until it is lukewarm.

Caution!
Typically, you are told to use a warm (possibly even a hot) compress.
However, even a warm compress can sometimes "burn" the eyelids of a person
with very sensitive eyelids. If a warm compress hurts your eyes,
use a lukewarm compress instead.

Wash your hands, and then dip a clean wash cloth (or two or three
lint-free tissues)
in the lukewarm water. If you have eye allergies or are prone to get eye
infections or styes, use the lint-free tissues
rather than a washcloth. Apply the compress to your eyes for five to ten
minutes. The compress softens the hard caps that clog the eyelid's oil glands.

When finished, if you have short fingernails, your hands are clean, and you
are not wearing hand lotion, gently massage your eyelids
near the eyelashes, or gently pinch the eyelids near
the eyelashes. This helps free oil from your eyelids into your eyes.

Discard the excess solution. When you want another compress, make
it again from scratch.

Boric acid compress

Boil distilled water for 10 minutes in a clean, stainless steel pan
that you use only for this purpose (not for food).

Pour 1 cup of the boiled water into a clean pyrex measuring cup, and
dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of boric acid powder (available in many grocery
stores or pharmacies) in the water. Use a measuring
cup and spoon that are used only to make the compress (not for food).

Warning!
Do NOT
use a boric acid solution without first getting an OK from your doctor.
Be sure to keep undiluted boric acid powder away from your eyes —
undiluted boric acid powder is great for killing cockroaches, but it is
toxic to your eyes and skin. Do not take boric acid internally. Never
use a compress that contains even a very small amount of boric acid on
the eyes of an infant or small child.

Set the water aside until it is lukewarm.

Caution!
Typically, you are told to use a warm (possibly even a hot) compress. However,
even a warm compress can sometimes "burn" the eyelids of a person
with very sensitive eyelids. If a warm compress hurts your eyes,
use a lukewarm compress instead.

Wash your hands, and then dip a clean wash cloth (or two or three
lint-free tissues)
in the lukewarm water. If you have eye allergies or are prone to get
eye infections or styes, use the lint-free
tissues rather than a wash cloth. Apply the compress to your eyes for one
to two minutes. Blink a couple of
times to be sure some of the water containing boric acid gets onto the edges
of your eyelids, where your eyelashes emerge from the eyelids. The warm
compress softens the hard caps that clog the eyelid's oil glands.

When you are finished, if you have short fingernails, your hands are clean,
and you don't have hand lotion on your hands, gently
massage your eyelids near the eyelashes, or gently
pinch the eyelids near the eyelashes. This helps free oil from your eyelids
into your eyes.

Make a new compress using two or three lint-free tissues and plain
cold water (without boric acid). Apply the compress to your eyes for
one to two minutes. This cold compress rinses off the boric acid solution
and contracts the oil gland openings back to their normal size.

Discard the excess solution. When you want another compress, make
it again from scratch.

Aloe vera is a traditional remedy for dry skin or skin with scrapes
or mild burns. Some ophthalmologists now recommend its use to help stimulate
tear production. You can buy aloe vera in many health food stores.
Be sure to get 99% pure, fragrance-free, clear, non-mentholated
aloe vera — any other product will
harm your
eyes.

Although aloe vera is expected to sting sharply for a minute or
two even for a person with mild dry eyes, for someone with severe dry eye,
putting even a very small amount of aloe vera directly into the eye can cause
too much pain and thus be counterproductive. Instead, the following
three subsections describe ways to use aloe vera either indirectly
(on the eyelids) or in a diluted form.

Caution!

Do NOT use any of the three following suggestions
without first asking your eye doctor if that tip is safe for you.

You may find that you are allergic or sensitive to aloe vera, either
immediately, or after a period of time. In this case, aloe vera might
cause itching or might not help your dry eye symptoms. If so, discontinue
use.

Wash your face, hands, and eyelids. Use a fragrance-free soap, such
as Ivory, or, if you have eye allergies, you might instead prefer to
use a solution of water with a little baking soda (not baking powder)
dissolved in it. If washing your eyelids hurts your eyes, put some artificial
tears in your eyes beforehand (such as Refresh Lubricant Eye Drops, available at
MedShopExpress.com or at
Drugstore.com).
Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Massage or gently pinch your eyelids (upper and lower)
to release oil into your eyes. This should feel pleasant for your eyes even if
you don't have a chronic eyelid condition.

Apply 99% pure, fragrance-free aloe vera gel to both the upper
and lower lids, especially the part where the eyelashes emerge.

Blink your eyes a couple of times, and then keep your eyes closed
for a minute or two until the stinging stops.
Don't be alarmed even if the stinging is quite sharp.

Repeat once in the morning and once in the evening. If using aloe
vera twice a day leaves your eyelids sore, apply it only once, at
bedtime.

Try this for a day or two. If it helps your eyes feel better, continue
using aloe vera on your eyelids. If it doesn't help
or makes your eyes feel worse, discontinue use.

Buy thimersol-free saline solution. The label should say
"for sensitive eyes" (not "multi-purpose solution"). You can
find this in most grocery stores in the contact lens section.

Caution!
If you have eye allergies, do NOT use
this option because even a thimersol-free saline solution contains a
preservative. Be aware that you can sometimes successfully use an
eye preparation for two or three weeks, and then develop an allergy to it.

Buy 99% pure, fragrance-free aloe vera (be sure to use a
normal concentration aloe vera gel, not a concentrate or
tincture) available in health food stores.

In a clean bowl, combine equal parts of the saline solution
and the aloe vera. Use a bowl reserved only for this purpose,
not a bowl that you use for food.

Do one of the following:

Either do this:
Boil a clean eye-dropper bottle for 10 minutes in
distilled water. Use a stainless steel pan reserved only
for this purpose. Pour the half saline, half aloe vera
solution into the eye-dropper bottle. Turn the bottle five
or six times (gently, so as not to create bubbles). Use
as an eyedrop three times a day.

Or do this:
Dip two or three
lint-free tissues into the half saline, half aloe vera solution,
and then apply the tissues to your eyelids as a compress.
If you want to get a little of the solution
into your eyes, with your eyes closed, splash your eyelids
with some of the solution, and then blink a few times.

Whether you use the solution as an eyedrop or as a compress, keep
your eyes closed for a minute or two after each use, until the
stinging stops. Don't be alarmed even if the
stinging is quite sharp.

Use for one day only, and then discard.

Try this for a day or two. If it helps your eyes feel better, make a
new batch of the solution fresh each day. If it
doesn't help or makes your eyes feel worse, discontinue use.

Warning!
Do NOT
use a boric acid solution without first getting an OK from your doctor.
Be sure to keep undiluted boric acid powder away from your eyes —
undiluted boric acid powder is great for killing cockroaches,
but it is toxic to your eyes and skin. Do not take boric acid internally.
Never use any kind of boric acid solution on the eyes of an infant or small child.

Boil distilled water for 10 minutes. Use a pan reserved only for this use.

Either do this:
Boil an eye-dropper bottle for 10 minues in fresh
distilled water (not the water you used to make the
solution). Use a stainless steel pan reserved only for
this use. Pour the aloe vera / boric acid solution
into the eye-dropper bottle. Use as an eyedrop three
times a day.

Or do this:
Dip two or three
lint-free tissues into the aloe vera / boric
acid solution, and then apply them to your eyelids as a
compress. If you want to get a little of the solution
into your eyes, with your eyes closed, splash your eyelids
with some of the solution, and then blink a few times.

Whether you use the solution as an eyedrop or as a compress, keep
your eyes closed for a minute or two after each use, until the
stinging stops. Don't be alarmed even if the
stinging is quite sharp.

Use for one day only, and then discard.

Try this for a day or two. If it helps your eyes feel better, make a
new batch of the solution fresh each day. If it
doesn't help or makes your eyes worse, discontinue use.

When considering new or non-standard remedies for dry eye pain, keep in
mind the fact that, although mainstream medical research has begun to make
efforts to scientifically test alternative remedies, alternative
and home remedies are not well-regulated. Dishonest
people often attempt to take advantage of people with chronic illnesses
(especially illnesses that cause severe pain),
and will sell you often expensive remedies that are
not helpful, may be harmful, and might even cause permanent damage.
In addition, well-meaning people (including the researchers for
DryEyePain) might inadvertently provide information that is not
appropriate or safe for you.

If you are considering using a new or alternative therapy, click the following links to
search these U.S. government Web sites to see if either positive or negative
information about that therapy exists:

"A Complete Guide to Prescription and Non-Prescription Drugs,"
by H. Winter Giffith. This book is available at
BarnesAndNoble.com and other bookstores.

Never experiment with an alternative or home remedy on an infant or
child.

DISCLAIMER:Do not use any tip
described on these pages without first consulting your
physician.
All content on
this Web site is for informational purposes only; it is
not to be used for diagnosis or treatment; and it should not be
construed as personal medical advice. Information published on this
Web site is not intended to replace, supplant, or augment a consultation
with an eye care professional regarding the user's/viewer's medical
care. Every effort has been made to present accurate and safe information,
but the creator of the Web site is not a health care professional,
does not warrant the correctness of the information, and is not liable
for any direct or consequential injury or other damages that could
result from the use of the information obtained from this site.
Products are mentioned as examples only. No mention of a product
constitutes an endorsement for that product; other products may be
successfully used for dry eye and other conditions described here.
It is not the intent of this Web site to promote any eye care products,
procedures, or medications.